November was not a good month for those seeking work in Jackson and surrounding counties.
According to the Georgia Department of Labor, Jackson County’s unemployment rate climbed to 10.6 percent in November, up from 9.9 percent in October.
Other area counties fared similarly, and Georgia’s jobless rate, which was 9.6 percent in October, rose to 10.3 percent. The figures are not seasonally adjusted, according to a Department of Labor news release.
State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond announced last week that the Georgia Department of Labor is processing extended benefit claims for unemployed Georgians who will qualify under legislation enacted last week, which expands the extended benefits claim filing period for jobless Americans through Dec. 31, 2011. The bill does not, however, provide additional benefits beyond 99 weeks.
“These additional resources will help qualified jobseekers provide food, clothing, and shelter while they seek employment,” said Commissioner Thurmond. “I’m pleased that the approval came in time for the holidays.”
Other area counties and their jobless rates include:
•Barrow, 10.2, up from 9.9
•Clarke, 7.6, up from 7.3
•Madison, 8.3, up from 7.9
•Banks, 7.3, up from 6.9
•Hall, 9.4, up from 8.8
•Franklin, 12.1, up from 11.4
Hancock County retained the highest unemployment rate in the state, going to 23.9 percent in November from 20.6 in October. Oconee County, at 6.7 percent, continued to offer the lowest unemployment rate. Oconee’s October rate was 6.4 percent, lowest in Georgia.
